Senegal seeks to rein in polluting illegal gold mining along Mali border

An artisanal miner pans for gold at the Karakaene gold mine in the region of Kédougou on February 1, 2023. Karakaene has one of the largest artisanal gold mining sites in southeastern Senegal, close to the border of Mali. AFP - JOHN WESSELS

Senegal has suspended mining activities along the Falémé river, which forms part of its southeastern border with Mali, in a bid to preserve the environment and protect public health. However, enforcing the ban won’t be easy.

Artisanal gold mining is booming in Kédougou, a region in southeast Senegal where the Falémé river flows.